Aaron Holiday Bio
Aaron Shawn Holiday (born September 30, 1996) is an American professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins, where he earned All-American recognition. He was selected by the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the 2018 NBA draft with the 23rd overall pick. Holiday is known for his defensive skills and has played for several teams in the NBA.
Early Life and Background
Aaron Holiday was born in Ruston, Louisiana, to Shawn and Toya Holiday. Both of his parents played college basketball at Arizona State University, where Toya was named Pac-10 Player of the Year in 1982. Aaron attended Campbell Hall High School in Los Angeles, California, where he was a standout player. He was a four-year starter and led his team in scoring as a freshman, averaging 24.3 points per game. His performance as a junior included averages of 28.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists, earning him CIF Southern Section IV-A and Los Angeles Daily News Player of the Year honors. As a senior, he continued to excel, averaging 25 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2.5 steals, leading Campbell Hall to its first sectional and California regional final since 2008. He was rated a four-star recruit and ranked among the top prep players in the nation.
Path to Basketball
Following his successful high school career, Aaron Holiday entered the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2015. He quickly made an impact as a freshman, starting in all 32 games and averaging 10.3 points while leading the team in steals and three-point shooting percentage. His performance earned him recognition as a tenacious defender capable of applying full-court pressure. In his sophomore season, he transitioned to a sixth-man role but thrived, contributing significantly to the team’s success. By his junior year, he had assumed the starting point guard position, leading UCLA in scoring and earning accolades such as third-team All-American and first-team All-Pac-12. After a stellar college career, he declared for the NBA draft, where he was selected by the Indiana Pacers.
Aaron Holiday Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
Aaron Holiday was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the 2018 NBA draft. He signed a three-year contract worth approximately $6.5 million. During his rookie season, he faced competition for playing time but made a notable impact when called upon. He scored 12 points in a comeback win against the Atlanta Hawks and later had a career-high 25 points in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite fluctuating playing time, he averaged 5.9 points per game during his first season. In the 2020–21 season, he continued to develop his game, averaging 7.2 points and making 36.8% of his three-point attempts.
Breakthrough (2021–Present)
In August 2021, Aaron Holiday was traded to the Washington Wizards, where he started in place of an injured Bradley Beal in his debut against the Pacers. His playing time varied throughout the season, but he continued to showcase his skills. In February 2022, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns, where he averaged 6.8 points per game in 22 games. Later, he signed with the Atlanta Hawks for the 2022–23 season, reuniting with his former coach Nate McMillan and brother Justin. In July 2023, he signed with the Houston Rockets, marking the latest chapter in his professional career.
Notable Works and Milestones
Aaron Holiday’s signature work includes his standout performances at UCLA, where he earned multiple accolades, and his ability to contribute significantly to various NBA teams. He is recognized for his defensive prowess and has played a vital role in the teams he has been a part of.
Aaron Holiday Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Aaron Holiday has received several nominations and accolades, particularly during his college career at UCLA, where he was recognized as a third-team All-American and received first-team All-Pac-12 honors.
Aaron Holiday Awards Won
Aaron Holiday has achieved notable recognition, including being named to the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team and earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors during his time at UCLA.
Aaron Holiday Family
Aaron Holiday is the youngest of four children, all of whom pursued basketball careers. His brothers, Justin and Jrue Holiday, are also professional basketball players, while his sister Lauren played for the UCLA women’s basketball team.
Personal Life
Aaron Holiday married Ashli Scott on May 14, 2020. Together, they have three children, including a step-daughter from Ashli’s previous relationship with NBA player Solomon Hill. Holiday’s family background and connections to basketball have significantly influenced his career.
